Investment in a home elevator, like many larger expenses, is easy to put off. It is easy to rationalize that your mobility may improve, there may be a better solution that costs less, and any number of excuses we can invent for ourselves. It is human nature to do this, at least for most of us. Plus, often there are multiple people involved in the decision, sometimes multiple generations as you may involve your adult children in the decision. And the additional scrutiny of many opinions can result in decision paralysis.
As certified aging-in-place specialists, we see the results of situations where individuals have postponed mobility care. Delaying addressing budding mobility challenges can sometimes be devastating as falls, especially because of stair use by weakened individuals, become much more prevalent and damaging. We hope that this information helps you begin your research sooner to prevent more serious issues.
Perhaps you wish to age in place or, as a young person, have been diagnosed with a degenerative disease or experienced an untimely accident. No matter what the reason that your mobility has declined, if it is unlikely that it will improve, now is the time to take action to invest in installing a home elevator.
Reasons to Consider Investing in a Home Elevator
Decreased Mobility
Decreased mobility is the top reason people call us to discuss their options for making their home safer. If your multi-level home or even exterior level changes such as raised porches or sunken garages have begun to present obstacles to your independence, the time has come to consider a residential elevator or wheelchair lift to increase your independence and improve safety. Especially when the use of a cane, walker, or other assistive mobility device is required, even occasionally, it is time to consider installing a home elevator.
Attempting stairs, even short runs, can be very dangerous.
Degenerative Disease Progression
A diagnosis of a degenerative condition can be overwhelming and easy for you and your family to just not want to think about it. Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, and other life-altering conditions can strike at any age. The younger you are when you receive a terminal diagnosis such as this, the more difficult it can be to see yourself as disabled. But, for sure you now are differently abled and unlikely to improve.
Your goal is be to quickly move beyond the normal denial of the situation and take action to keep life as much as it has always been. A home elevator can be the way to not only prevent accidents as you weaken, but also to give you more daily joy and freedom.
Life-Altering Accident
Experiencing a life-altering accident comes with a lot of trauma, physically and emotionally. It can be very easy to make decisions without proper consideration of all alternatives. Living in a 2- or 3-story home and losing the ability to walk, grip, or maintain balance can send you and your family to thinking about moving or renovating to make the first floor appropriate for living. Include consideration of a residential elevator as they are often not as costly as you think. Here is some general information about the prices of home elevators, and our certified aging-in-place specialists can provide more specific information about what will work for you and your home after an in-home elevator consultation.
Questions to Ask Yourself about Your Mobility
If you are experiencing any of these a couple of times a week, do not delay speaking with a certified aging-in-place specialist (CAPS):
- Do you frequently stumble or fall in your home?
- Have you stopped enjoying activities in your home because the effort to climb stairs outweighs the pleasure?
- Do you wait for someone to fetch items or put items away because they are on a different floor?
- Are you fatigued by climbing stairs?
- Do you experience pain or other bothersome symptoms after you climb stairs?
Home Renovation
An often overlooked opportunity to add value with a home elevator is when you have a home renovation planned. If you are planning a renovation project, it is a good time to consider investing in a home elevator as it can lower the cost of installation since you will already have construction in your home. With the aging population, more and more people seek homes with mobility in mind.
So adding a home elevator adds value and opens up a larger pool of potential home buyers. It also positions your home for you to age in place, even if that is decades from now.
And honestly, stairs are not safe for anyone especially when they are carrying something such as a box, laundry, or their baby. Study after study shows that especially for children and adults carrying children on stairs, they are dangerous. A study at Nationwide Children’s Hospital found that every 6 minutes a child in the US is taken to the emergency room for a stair-related incident (see video).
A home elevator creates a safer home for people of any age and ability.
The cost of installing a home elevator depends highly on the type of elevator you are considering, the architecture of your home, and how you and your family will use the elevator. We have put a collection of information below to help you begin to learn about home elevators, but feel free to call with your questions.
Compare Types of Elevators
We look forward to an invitation to your home to provide you with a free, no-obligation quote as well as answer all your questions about how a the costs of home elevators that will fit in your home and serve your mobility needs today and in the future. Call (713) 360 7353.
